Loads of Fun for $12.99!

I can't believe I did this. I was at Shop-Rite the other day, getting the usual fun stuff -- peppers, batteries, cat food -- when I came across this bouquet of roses for only $12.99. How could I resist? You probably can't tell from the pictures, but this is a HUGE bouquet, almost 20 stems with several buds on each stem. Yesterday, I moved it from room to room, snapping pictures all day in different lights. (Yes, I am easily amused.) So, rather than clean my house, or empty my garage, or do the laundry, or cook dinner, or...well, you get the idea...I took pictures. A lot of pictures.

Am I the only one who does things like this? Please say no. :)

BTW -- dinner did get cooked, but the rest is still waiting...

;>)

Loving Linens

My mother collected quite a few pieces of linen, some beautifully embroidered or embellished. Many women of her era had a great love of linens, and I think that some of these must have been handed down from her mother. These are a few that I especially love.

I think the first one must be a guest towel, although I can't imagine ever using it, it's so delicate. If I ever put in our bathroom, I'd be afraid my kids would ruin it.

The second piece is a small tablecloth, I think. I'm dismally ignorant when it comes to recognizing different types of needlework, so I've no clue what this is called. Anybody care to enlighten me?

The last piece just makes me smile. I do love birds -- you saw my covered dishes with little bird handles recently. In my kitchen there are bird prints and plates, eggs, nests, and a beautiful bird's nest painting done by the lovely Donna, of Donna's Art. This little hand towel, with it's cheerful bird appliques, will fit right in.

I like to pick up little embroidered or embellished linens when I see them at the thrift store. That someone took the time to make them, and lovingly care for them...well, it just speaks to me. Yes, I'm just a big old mother hen, taking in every stray tea cup and napkin that crosses my path! :)

Springtime Yumminess

Here is a delicious and easy pasta recipe that I found recently. This one is definitely a keeper.

Pasta with Honeyed Chicory and Toasted Walnuts

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

3 heads chicory, sliced

1 tbsp. runny honey

1 cup walnuts

1 lb. dried penne pasta

salt and pepper

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over low heat, then add the garlic and chicory and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicory begins to wilt. Stir in the honey and walnuts and cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of lightly salted boiling water according to the package directions, or until al dente. Drain and toss with the chicory mixture. Serve immediately.

from:The Organic Seasonal Cookbook, by Liz Franklin

This cookbook is one of those great finds at TJMaxx -- I think it was $5.99. It is beautifully written and photographed, and all of the recipes look simple but loaded with flavor. I'm anxious to try more of them.

Mangia!

Bursting Forth

Oh, how I love spring. Everything is just bursting with life. The hellebores and the forsythia are blooming at our Little Red House right now. More to come soon. I try to spend as much time as I can out in the garden, and there is a lot to do! We are also smack in the middle of the spring track and field season, and spring travel soccer. Some days I don't know if I'm coming or going. I'm sure you all know how that feels.

So from our crazy, busy house to yours -- Happy Saturday, dear bloggers!

Birds In The Kitchen

No, not the real kind. But I'm forever enamored of birds in art and craft. So when I saw this cute little covered dish at Homegoods a while back, I just couldn't resist.

You've seen the pheasant tureen before, and I have told you how much I love dishes with a lid. So really, this little covered dish just had my name on it. Right?

Still More Loving

I have had so much fun sharing all your favorite decorating details! Very often, the things that really make our hearts sing have a connection to a loved one. I began collecting milk glass when I inherited a few pieces from my mother. Now they are so beautiful to me, and they hold a special place in my heart. Here is the final group of things that tug at your heartstrings:

Cheri, http://www.cherikirk.blogspot.com/ and http://www.housewarmings.blogspot.com/ a doll-sized table and chairs, made for Cheri's daughter by her father-in-law

Abbie, http://www.damseldesigns.blogspot.com/ a beautiful pink crib quilt and bedding, handmade by Abbie for her daughter

Beverly, http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ a wonderful rose painting. After an exhaustive search for just the right piece of art, Beverly found this painting on ebay, and won it for $0.73!

Rhondi, http://www.rhondisrosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com/ an absolutely beautiful collection of blue glass

Lauren, http://thementalpausechronicles.blogspot.com/ her twin's childhood shoes, "silvered." How's that for tugging at your heartstrings? :)

Kathy, a terrific rooster shelf, filled with cute kitchen accessories. There is just something about roosters that speaks to lots of us. Did you catch Beverly's Rooster Parade this week? If not, follow her link above, and scroll down a bit -- great fun!

Susan, a beautiful beach-themed shelf. Sweet memories of family days spent near the water are a wonderful way to create a decorating scheme that really tugs at the heartstrings. :)

Thank you so much to everyone who has participated! I have had a wonderful time, and I hope you have, too. :)

More Decorating Favorites

Among the many things that I love to collect, transferware dishes seem to always draw me in. I love all colors -- blue, red, brown. They always make me smile. Continuing our theme from yesterday, here are some more of your decorating favorites:

Lynn, http://www.vintageswampgirl.blogspot.com/ A vintage picture of her mother, displayed along with the feather from her mother's hat.

Also from Lynn, a lovely English tureen

Karen, http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com/ Karen's sister, Lynne, made her this lovely lap quilt and matching pillow, displayed here with some other matching treasures

Gail, http://www.cabinhaus.blogspot.com/ A wonderful collection of restaurant creamers. Each piece is unique, and some have restaurant names marked on them.

Jeannelle, http://www.midlifebyfarmlight.blogspot.com/ a paperweight made from an unusual rock found on her farm. Like Jeannelle, I usually pick up things on my walks, but I don't think I've ever carted home anything as big and heavy!

Tara, http://daysmissedonahammock.blogspot.com/ a piano surrounded by family pictures and special mementos. Tara says, "every vignette we make in our homes (is special because) we know the stories in our hearts."

Patty, a pretty embroidered pillow, which seems to have inspired little Zoe!

Please stop by again tomorow for our final group of lovely decorating details!